CBS brings full-episode streaming to Apple's iPad, iPhone with new app

The new CBS app lets users stream full episodes of daytime and late-night shows within 24 hours of their airing. New episodes of primetime television programs will be available for streaming on the eighth day after broadcast.

The app will by the start of the Fall TV season, integrate with the existing CBS Connect App, allowing users to take advantage of the iPad or iPhone as a second-screen device. The app will have integrated social feeds, live events where fans can engage directly with talent, and content synched to live broadcast shows.

CBS will also roll out similar full-streaming apps for "all major mobile and tablet platforms later this year," including Android and Windows 8.

Bringing full-episode streaming, even in the limited form in which it exists in the new app, is a considerable step for CBS, which has usually been reluctant to move its programming away from its traditional broadcast television setting. Speaking on the new app's release, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves said the company had been cautious to step forward onto mobile devices while protecting its home turf.

"We have been methodically and strategically finding new ways to satiate the appetite for our content on new platforms, while tapping into the tremendous revenue provided by doing so," said Moonves. "Our announcement today achieves both of these objectives, while protecting our very healthy current ecosystem. In addition, by making our shows available on all the leading mobile devices out there, we are confident we will bring a whole new set of viewers to the CBS Television Network and build upon our standing as the #1 network in the business."

The new app is available as a free download in the iTunes App Store. The 20.6MB app is compatible with iDevices running iOS 5.0 or later.